In her first interview after marriage, Anoushka Shankar opens up about her hubby director Joe Wright, her step-sister Norah and her special day...

It’s official! Sitar player Anoushka Shankar and English film director Joe Wright tied the knot in a private ceremony in London on September 26. The wedding was attended by family and close friends of Anoushka, who’s expecting her first child by spring next year. In an exclusive interview to HT City — her first after marriage — Anoushka shares her thoughts about becoming Mrs Joe Wright.

Do you feel any different after your marriage?

Yes. It’s weird because in one way we’re the same, but in another, completely different. The ceremony seems to have deepened something between us, and it’s really precious and beautiful.<b1>

Did you wear a gown or a sari?

I wore a beautiful blue lehenga for the ceremony and a Ritu Kumar

lehenga

for the evening party, which is possibly my favourite thing that I’ve ever worn!

How did Joe propose?

The way Joe proposed and we got engaged is a memory I treasure, and would like to keep private!

Did you invite Norah Jones?

What a strange question! She is my sister, and was more than invited. She hosted my

mehendi

, walked me out, hand in hand, when I came out for the wedding ceremony, and sang at the performance we had arranged as part of the party. I felt happier to have a sister than I’ve ever felt, and drew so much strength and love from our relationship.

When did you realise you are expecting? What was your first reaction?

Strangely, we knew from the beginning that we wanted children together. But, finding out I was pregnant was crazy! It was the day after I did a really huge show in London with the London Symphony Orchestra, premiering my father’s new symphony. The next day was a birthday party for my father and I had been practicing a surprise dance number for him. Between the symphony and dancing, I was literally exhausted, much more than I could understand. Luckily, even though I found out in the afternoon, I still managed to go and dance for my father at night, though my head was totally spinning with the news!

How excited are you to be a mommy?

It’s hard to describe how I feel as it’s not the same kind of excitement as I’ve felt before. There’s something really simple and quiet about this, like it just feels natural and right, like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be in my life. I feel joyful and fulfilled and incredibly fortunate. My parents are incredibly overjoyed to become grandparents.

Is Joe more protective of you now? Has he asked you to tone down on your work or take a special diet?

Joe is more protective now in a lot of ways, and it’s a lovely feeling. He knows I take good care with my food and exercise and so on, but yes, he does keep having to remind me to slow down and get enough rest!